Commodore James Norrington stood in the front of the church in full dress uniform, complete with his sword at his hip. He even wore his characteristic stern militaristic gaze, despite however joyous a marriage was supposed to be. The man hoped no one could hear how rapidly his heart was beating.
There were countless faces filling the pews of the church; few he truly recognized. A number of his men, including Lieutenant Gillette and Groves, he could see at the back of the church, standing as ceremonial guard. He had no family in Port Royal to witness his wedding; they all resided in England. But they had offered glad congratulations in their latest letters.
Practically all of the wedding guests were public acquaintances of Governor Swann. Norrington probably had met them on one social event or another, but he could care less if they were here or not.
The violin quintet began to play, and Norrington turned his attention rapt down the aisle. Elizabeth appeared all in white, her skirts flowing all about her, and the gossamer veil pinned to her hair, covering her face. Her father, in his finest outfit, held her arm. They began to walk toward the altar.
Elizabeth's head was held high, and her stride did not falter. Her demeanor was confident and strong.
James recalled all the doubts and misgivings he had about the marriage. How sure was Elizabeth's heart was in this- She had said her heart was sure, but he could not ignore William Turner, and his friendship with Elizabeth Swann.
Norrington would love Elizabeth unconditionally; there was no question- the inquiry was how much would she care for him?
But they had gone through all the planning, and now, they were in the church.
Elizabeth came to stand beside James, as her father gave her away. The priest began his citation, addressing the whole congregation: They were gathered to celebrate the matrimony of Commodore James Norrington to Miss Elizabeth Swann.
The betrothed matched one another in their rigid formality, as if they both under military procedure.
The priest asked Norrington if he would take Elizabeth as his wife.
"I will," he said, more sure of anything he said before.
The same question was repeated to Elizabeth, to take James as her husband.
"I will," she said, unwavering.
The prayers and readings were done, and they exchanged vows, and placed a wedding band on the others finger. When it was asked if there were any objections to the marriage, Norrington's heart jumped into his throat, but was then put at ease when silence answered.
The priest pronounced them husband and wife- and James Norrington, known for a regular iron expression, could not stop a smile from crossing his features. He then lifted the veil from hiding his wife's face.
There were tears in her eyes and on her cheeks. She looked up at him, and her lips trembled in a feeble smile. James's grin faded; there was no mistaking what kind of tears they were. He was motionless for a moment, until he leaned forward and gave Elizabeth the lightest kiss.
The reception was held at the Governor's house. Wedding gifts were presented, dinner was eaten, toasts were given. Elizabeth and James Norrington shared their dances, sat beside one another during the meal. They cut their dessert cake, and shared a piece.
Elizabeth knew they were both putting on good faces. She knew Norrington could sense her ill feelings. He had seen her tears. They exchanged not a private word yet, only interacting as if they were working off a script- inserting the name of the other in speeches and conversation, embracing at appropriate moments.
Elizabeth wished the Commodore would say something to her. He had not looked her directly in the eyes once since their kiss, a kiss she barely even felt. She did not know how he was hurting. How would they behave toward one another when they arrived at the house they together would now call home? How would she face her husband?
Coming to the door of the Commodore's residence, anxiety flooded Elizabeth's brain. Norrington held her arm gently and led her in. The house was quiet; the only sound was that of their footsteps and the closing of the door.
Elizabeth tried to block out all the unpleasant thoughts that were assaulting her, horrific suggestions on what kind of wedding night this would be for her. Would they share a marriage bed? Elizabeth swallowed, feeling ill. She could not be a willing lover- not to the Commodore. Not when in truth, her heart belonged to another.
They stood in the darkness of the house, dim starlight shining in through the windows. Elizabeth turned about to face Norrington. Would he still take her into his bed despite the day's hurricane of varying emotions?
James took Elizabeth by the arm again and led her upstairs, when they paused in the hallway, standing between two doors. He motioned to the door on the left.
"Here is your room," he said shortly.
Elizabeth had to cough slightly before she was able to speak. "My room?"
Norrington said nothing, waiting for her to speak further.
She stuttered and mumbled, "You mean- we… you-" Her cheeks burned in embarrassment, trying to address such the subject of consummation.
Norrington knew what she was trying to say. His turned directly to her with a steely gaze and he spoke quietly, with an almost harsh tone. "If you bear in mind an idea of my behavior or intention toward you that is in any way malicious or selfish, you are gravely mistaken." After of moment of heavy silence, he then turned around and disappeared into his own room.
Standing alone in an unfamiliar house in her wedding dress, the warmth of the air seemed to be stolen from around Elizabeth. She went into her room, changed into a nightgown and crawled into a bed unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Too exhausted, the new Mrs. Norrington let herself just fall into a deep slumber, while her husband in the room next door sat on the floor, leaning against the wall, silently weeping.
Author's Notes: I'd like to know what you think concerning where the story is heading. What do you like and dislike about it? What do you think should happen? What would you like to read about in upcoming chapters? I'm interested to see what you think of this plot. I'll appreciate any feedback. Thanks for reading, as always.